The 4 most unexpected signs of heart problems, according to doctors

Heart disease is sometimes described as the “silent killer” because almost half of heart attacks are mistaken for less serious problems.

There are the obvious signs of heart problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea, but overlooking the more subtle signs of heart disease can lead to serious - even fatal - health consequences.

What unexpected signs could signal a heart problem

Pain in the jaw and neck

Chest pain is not the only discomfort associated with a heart problem. Pain that “radiates” from the chest to the jaw and neck can also signal a heart attack, heart disease, or irregular heartbeat.

«Pain in the jaw and neck can be signs of a heart attack or reduced blood flow to the heart,» warns cardiologist Dr Edo Paz. «More typical symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath and sweating. However, pain in the jaw or neck may indicate heart problems, especially if the discomfort worsens when you exert yourself and stops when you rest.».

Cardiologist Dr. Bobbi Bogaev gives an example of a patient who began to feel pain in her jaw and neck while riding a bicycle.

«After consulting a cardiologist, the patient was informed that he had damage to three of his heart vessels», explains Dr. Bogaev. It is a useful reminder not to ignore jaw or neck pain and to seek medical help if you experience it without any other explanation.

Cramps, pain or numbness in the calves

Another unexpected sign of heart problems is pain or discomfort in your calves. «Cramps, pain or numbness in the calves when walking may be related to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

It's a chronic condition where the blood vessels that carry blood to your organs and limbs become blocked, resulting in a decrease in blood flow,» says Dr. Paz. He adds that other symptoms of PAD include leg sores, poor hair growth and changes in skin pigmentation.

Calf pain that occurs during exercise and subsides at rest is a classic symptom of PAD. People with PAD often have atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque in the arteries), which disrupts blood flow to the legs and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

So if you feel cramping, pain, numbness or discomfort in your legs while walking, talk to your doctor about whether it could indicate a heart problem.

Problems in sexual performance

Research shows that heart health can affect performance in the bedroom for both men and women, as sexual dysfunction is associated with blood flow problems.

For men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early sign of arterial damage and heart disease. DM is a circulatory problem often caused by hardening of the arteries, a condition in which blood vessels do not dilate and contract properly. This reduces blood flow to the penis and is associated with heart disease.

Heart disease and sexual dysfunction are not exclusive to men. A 2007 study showed that 87% of women with heart failure reported symptoms of sexual dysfunction, including vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse and low libido.

Endothelial dysfunction is the culprit behind these problems and can lead to circulatory problems, plaque formation in the arteries, artery blockage and heart attack.

Bad breath in the mouth

Bad breath can be a sign that you have a heart problem!. What do bad breath and heart disease have in common? Gum disease. People with gingivitis may be twice as likely to develop heart problems, such as hardening of the arteries, blood clots, heart attack and stroke.

Bacteria that build up on your tongue, teeth and gums cause bad breath. This bacteria can then enter the bloodstream through bleeding or diseased gums, which are associated with clogged arteries and stroke.

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream can also cause inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.